Synopsis
This book features interviews with 22 major jazz figures, including Art Blakey, Anthony Braxton, Dave Brubeck, Bill Evans, Gil Evans, Tommy Flanagan, Dizzy Gillespie, Chico Hamilton, Lee Konitz, Charles Mingus, Clark Terry and Henry Threadgill. These musicians reflect on their early influences and personal visions, the jazz tradition and the politics of survival in a country that historically has ignored one of its indigenous art forms. These improvisers and composers represent diverse generations and philosophies and a full range of styles, from swing to bop, fusion and free jazz. They speak eloquently about their work, and candidly about the current state of music in the US. These interviews describe what the life of a jazz musician is really like. Each interview begins with a brief biographical introduction and ends with a selected discography.
Reviews
For seven years, Enstice, an art professor at Indiana State University, and Rubin, a Phoenix-based writer, hosted and produced "Just Talk" for a National Public Radio affiliate in Tuscon, Arizona. Between 1975 and 1981, they recorded informal interviews with 22 of the best jazzmen (no jazzwomen here). Some (Art Blakey, Bill Evans, Gil Evans, Charles Mingus, Sonny Stitt and Gabor Szabo) have since passed away; others (including Mose Allison, Anthony Braxton, Ray Bryant, Mercer Ellington, Tommy Flanagan, Lee Konitz, Joe Pass, Clark Terry and Henry Threadgill) still soar. Each of these wonderfully fresh and insightful interviews opens with a concise biography of the performer; then the musician speaks for himself about getting started, influences, feelings about jazz, survival. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
These interviews, ranging from 1975 to 1981, represent two jazz generations: the old (Mercer Ellington, Gil Evans, Charles Mingus) and the new (Anthony Braxton, Larry Coryell, Henry Threadgill). Each interview has its own flavor, from the earthy to the metaphysical. The musicians discuss music making and can get a bit technical, but they tell colorful stories: Mose Allison on singing, Bob Brookmeyer on studio work, Ray Bryant on different kinds of audiences, Bill Evans on finding a musical identity. Each praises his mentors (no women are interviewed), and several mention racial prejudice. Each interview is preceded by a biographical sketch and followed by a list of recordings. Anyone interested in jazz will enjoy this entertaining and informative book.
- Paul Baker, CUNA Inc., Madison, Wis.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
